Body Image Concerns In Boys and Men
A common misconception many believe is that girls and women are more likely to have body image issues than boys and men. It is true that girls and women make up a higher percentage of those who struggle with body image, however, boys and men have significant rates of self-image struggles too.
By: Elizabeth Low
Males face beauty standards through the media, peers, and family. Men who grapple with their appearance do not always receive the same sympathy as women. As a result, men’s problems are often downplayed; despite this being a pervasive issue.
In a 2016 analysis conducted by Chapman University, between 20% and 40% of men stated they were dissatisfied with their physical appearance, muscle tone, and weight. This study also found that gay men usually suffer more from body image issues. Gay men are more likely to report interest in cosmetic surgery, feel judged by others on their appearance, and feel pressure from the media to be attractive. However, heterosexual men are more likely to feel pressure from their partners to lose weight.
We can partly blame the media for spreading narrow images of how the ideal man should look. We see this standard in movies, television shows, and advertisements. Men are often uncomfortable with their height, hair, and body composition. It is still a norm in heterosexual relationships to have the man be taller than the woman. The data shows that women typically prefer to date men taller than them. As men get older, hair loss becomes a significant concern. The hair loss industry is estimated to be worth over a billion dollars, fueled by men wishing to replace their thinning hair to be perceived as more attractive. When muscular builds are the most admired, it is no wonder that body composition is also a source of insecurity among males. This beauty standard can lead to overexercise and steroid abuse in some instances.
Unfortunately, few people talk about men with body image issues. Men likely feel socialized to hide their struggles. However, there have been male celebrities who have been candid about their body image struggles. Even with mass popularity, they are not immune to feeling self-conscious about their bodies.
Historically, a range of male body types have not had representation among male models. Recently, more diverse body types of men have been highlighted in the fashion industry. The modeling agency IMG signed Zach Miko, their first male plus-size model, in 2015. Target then featured him in their Mossimo 2015 collection. Savage X Fenty, the lingerie brand founded by Rihanna, recently included plus-size male models in their 2020 fashion show. There are several plus-size models on the Savage X Fenty website.
Now that a wider variety of male body types are celebrated, there is hope that boys and men can feel more comfortable with their body image. Increased research on how to combat societal messaging of male beauty ideals is needed. More attention on this issue is crucial to help men accept their bodies. There is still a gap for resources for men who struggle with body image, allowing them to get the help they need and deserve.
At BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™, our compassionate, highly skilled team of clinicians is trained in diagnosing and treating the spectrum of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, compulsive overeating, and other disordered eating and body image issues. We offer a variety of programs and services targeted at helping clients overcome fear foods and develop a healthy relationship with food. Our Men’s Group provides a space to examine one’s relationships with body, food, and self for men struggling with emotional & binge eating behaviors and body image concerns. The group also focuses on self-esteem, relationship issues & sexuality, nutrition, healthy exercising, communication, and coping skills.
Our admissions team would be happy to answer any questions you may have about our programs and services. Book a free consultation call with our admissions team below, or read more about our philosophy here.
This post was written by BALANCE Blog Contributor, Elizabeth Low.
Elizabeth is currently finishing her sociology degree with a concentration in social interaction and a minor in psychology at San Jose State University. During her undergraduate studies she has volunteered and worked in childcare, and in the food industry. She plans to pursue a graduate degree in Clinical Nutrition or Counseling. She hopes to actively counteract social messaging that is linked to disordered eating, overexercise, and body dissatisfaction. Her interests include cooking, childcare, education, research, and writing. She plans to help individuals have a healthy relationship with food and their body image through counseling in the future.
References
Ledbetter, S. (2016, March 8). Chapman University researcher examines body satisfaction in national study of men. Press Room. https://blogs.chapman.edu/press-room/2016/03/08/chapman-university-researcher-examines-body-satisfaction-in-national-study-of-men/